Abstract: A structural low carbon steel in combination with and in contact with an aqueous MDEA solvent that includes as an amine-based chemical additive. When mixed with MDEA solvent to form a MDEA solution, the MDEA-based solution in contact with carbon steel reduces the corrosion rate of low carbon structural carbon steels having a carbon content greater than about 0.18% by weight is significantly reduced when the concentrations of CO2, O2 and heat stable salts (HSS) are controlled below critical amounts. The MDEA solution, when controlling the concentrations of CO2, O2 and HSS below critical amounts, suppresses the corrosion of carbon steel having a carbon content greater than about 0.18%. A smooth surface finish further suppresses the corrosion of the low carbon structural steel. When the CO2, O2 and HSS are maintained below critical values, a low carbon structural steel having a micropolished surface finish displayed improved corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A new miniature rose plant which has abundant, white colored flowers and attractive foliage. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for year round production in commercial glass houses as a flowering pot plant. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new and distinctly salt and boron tolerant cultivar of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), named ‘Seleno-Red,’ is particularly distinguishable by its ability to tolerate and grow in high concentration of salt, boron and selenium-laden soil. The cultigen was originally discovered by stringent selection of randomly harvested cladodes (modified stems) and potentially from isolation of a single unique cladode or sport that exhibited high levels of salt and boron tolerance necessary for survival, and then propagated into the ‘Seleno-Red’ cultivar. The cladodes were originally randomly harvested from different individual plants and screened from within a naturally segregating wild population or accession. The ‘Seleno-Red’ cultivar has orange-red flowers, mature green cladodes without glochids, and red-purple fruit.

Abstract: A new and distinctly salt and boron tolerant cultivar of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), named ‘Seleno-Green,’ is particularly distinguishable by its ability to tolerate and grow in high concentration of salt, boron and selenium-laden soil. The cultigen was originally discovered by stringent selection of randomly harvested cladodes (modified stems) and potentially from isolation of a single unique cladode or sport that exhibited high levels of salt and boron tolerance necessary for survival, and then propagated into the ‘Seleno-Green’ cultivar. The cladodes were originally randomly harvested from different individual plants and screened from within a naturally segregating wild population or accession. The ‘Seleno-Green’ cultivar has yellow-orange flowers, mature green cladodes without glochids, and yellow-green fruit.

Abstract: A new and distinctive variety of a Malus domestica apple tree, named ‘WA 5’, that is distinguished by its attractive color of bright orange-red with distinct stripe over yellow background and exceptional eating quality, both fresh and after several months in common storage. WA 5 is homozygous for the ethylene production genes ASC1-2/2 and ACO1-1/1 which confer low ethylene production.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 1. Tree with vigorous, upright growth habit. 2. Regular and productive bearer of medium to large fruit. 3. Fruit with attractive dark red skin and flesh color. 4. Fruit with an average Brix of 17.2° and a good balance between acid and sugar. 5. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. 6. Fruit with good handling and shipping qualities.

Abstract: ‘NFL21’ is a distinctive variety of Westringia fruticosa which is characterized by the combination of an upright and dense growth habit, tall plant height, highly pubescent leaves and purple flower color.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lantana camara plant named ‘UF-T3’, characterized by its moderate vigor, mounding growth habit, free flowering, bright yellow/orange flower color, little fruiting, high level of female sterility, high level of male sterility, and lack of hybridization with Lantana depressa, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Mandevilla plant named ‘Lanminnesota’, characterized by its compact and bushy plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; glossy small dark green-colored leaves; early flowering habit; and bright red-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Berberis, ‘Golden Dream’, that is characterized by its small sized leaves that are yellow-green in color and its moderately compact plant habit with upright branches.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hibiscus plant named ‘Boreas Yellow’, characterized by its upright, mounding and bushy plant habit; glossy dark green-colored leaves; uniform and freely flowering habit; large bright yellow-colored flowers with dark red-colored centers; and excellent flower longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hibiscus plant named ‘Laluna’, characterized by its upright, mounding and bushy plant habit; glossy dark green-colored leaves; uniform and freely flowering habit; double-type orange-colored flowers; and good flower longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of hardy herbaceous Hibiscus hybrid plant named ‘Berrylicious’ comprising a winter-hardy perennial, naturally-compact, heavily branched stems, medium green leaves producing numerous mauve-lavender flowers with dark-raspberry eyes on nearly flat flowers over at least 12 weeks during the summer until frost. The new plant, Hibiscus ‘Berrylicious’ shows resistance to black spot fungus and resists deer browsing and the ruffled flowers resist wind and sun.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘Duebravo’, characterized by its compact, upright, outwardly spreading and uniform plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; strong and vigorous roots; freely branching habit; large inflorescences with red-colored flower bracts; and excellent post-production longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘Dueencore’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and uniform plant habit; vigorous growth habit; strong and vigorous roots; freely branching habit; large inflorescences with red-colored flower bracts; and excellent post-production longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Phlox plant named ‘Duephlostra’, characterized by its compact, upright to outwardly spreading and mounding plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; and relatively large red-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘DAOSTREOGTYVE’, characterized by being a compact cultivar, with globular upright to spreading shape; Very well branching (8-14 per plant) with stiff and strong lateral stems and small thick leaves. Color of leaves green RHS 139A (upper side) and green RHS 137B (underside); Ray florets being RHS Red 39A when opening and developing into RHS Red 53B when fully open on upper side; and disc florets that appear RHS grayed-orange 166A.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Astrantia ‘Star of Treasure’ characterized by its flowers that are lilac white with pink red markings, its flower bracts that are tipped with pink-red, and its relatively low and compact plant habit.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Astrantia ‘Star of Passion’ characterized by its flowers that are grey-white in color and dark purple tips, its flower bracts that are dark purple on the lower surface and providing high color contrast to the inflorescences, and its relatively low and compact plant habit.

Abstract: A method for providing voters with election information specific to voter polling location. A voter registration file is queried for a name of a registered voter in response to an input from a user. The user is queried for additional narrowing information through a series of single criterion iterations each time the query renders more than one result. The user is notified of multiple results after each single criterion iteration is processed to show the progress of the initial query. The user is granted access to a information page if the user is found in the voter registration file. The information page presents the user with relevant information based on the user polling location.

Abstract: A card shuffler is disclosed having a card output portion that is easily connectable to either a first output card receiver or a second output card receiver. The first output card receiver enables the dealer to remove cards one at a time from the shuffler. The second output card receiver enables the dealer to remove a group of cards at a time from the shuffler.

Abstract: An on-die termination includes: a code generator configured to generate a calibration code in response to a voltage of a first node and a reference voltage; a calibration resistor unit connected to the first node, and configured to be turned on and off in response to the calibration code; and a reference resistor unit coupled to the calibration resistor unit, and configured to be turned on and off in response to a control signal.

Abstract: A termination resistor is mounted on a memory circuit and provides a termination resistance for the memory circuit. The termination resistor includes a node, a plurality of first termination resistors responsive to a corresponding control signal and connected between a power voltage and the node, and a plurality of second termination resistors responsive to a corresponding control signal and connected between a ground voltage and the node.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reliable neighbor discovery in wireless ad hoc networks are provided herein. In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for analyzing the quality of a communication link. In embodiments, several factors affecting link quality may be incorporated in the analysis, and basic and/or complex statistical and/or probabilistic analysis may be used. In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for neighbor node discovery that adapt to network and/or node operating conditions and that dynamically maintain a neighbor node set at a given node according to these conditions. In a further aspect, embodiments of the present invention extend the utility of neighbor node discovery beyond the customary role of data routing support into the problem of deploying an ad hoc network by providing a display module for displaying node connectivity information.

Abstract: Disclosed are an SIP-based user mobility service providing apparatus and method using user position information obtained by a sensing apparatus. When a user enters a specific region, a gateway including a sensing management module carries out SIP registration for several terminals existing in the specific region in place of user agents of the terminals. The sensing management module transmits an SIP registration message to an SIP proxy server and notifies the terminals of the completion of SIP registration. Then, the user receives a call using the same kind of a terminal as a specific terminal previously set on the basis of a user's preferences among the terminals in the specific region.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for transmitting data based on OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing). The method includes: forming a plurality of packets suitable for a selected transmission mode from data input to a transmitter; determining a transfer rate of the data; when the data transfer rate is determined to be low and synchronous connection oriented link should be maintained, dividing each of the plurality of packets into a plurality of sub-packets; and transmitting the divided sub-packets, wherein when the divided sub-packets are transmitted, a power supply duration of the transmitter is reduced by using a DPM (dynamic power management) or fine state control unit.

Abstract: A method of estimating coarse frequency offset of received symbols based on a received frequency domain sample at a kth sub-carrier of a 53rd Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) data symbol in a jth time slot (TS) of a receiver in a China Multimedia Mobile Broadcasting (CMMB) mobile television communication network includes dividing a received sample, Ykj, into two sets of noise only tones and data plus noise tones Dkj, obtaining a received sample only if there is a coarse frequency offset mismatch between a transmitter and the receiver, dividing a summation of a power of the data plus noise tones by a summation of a power of the noise only tones to obtain ?kj, and estimating an integer coarse frequency offset estimate, ?{circumflex over (f)}Ij, of the received symbols when the ?kj is a maximum.

Abstract: A portable data storage device receives data from a digital broadcast signal receiver that is adapted to separate the data from a digital broadcast signal. The portable data storage device includes a first transceiver that communicates with a second transceiver associated with the digital broadcast signal receiver and further includes a memory for storing the received data. A processor disposed within the portable data storage device controls the storage of the data and further causes a data request signal to be generated and transmitted to the digital broadcast signal receiver. A controller disposed within the digital broadcast signal receiver responds to the data request signal by causing the data separated from the digital broadcast signal to be transmitted via the second transceiver to the portable data storage device. The portable data storage device further includes a data communication port for transferring the data to a personal computer.

Abstract: Timing and frequency offset processing in sub-carriers is performed in an Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) a receiver system. Sub-carriers are divided into two sub-sets, where the sub-sets contain an equal number of sub-carriers. Subsequently bad sub-carriers are removed, if present, from first sub-set of the sub-sets, and corresponding sub-carriers from a second sub-set of the sub-sets are also removed. Further, a phase difference on each sub-carrier from each sub-set is computed, and mean phase differences of each of the sub-sets are computed. Furthermore, frequency offset is computed by averaging the mean phase differences of the sets.

Abstract: A system and method for ETF investing that provides a primary exchange traded fund (PETF) that comprises a plurality of shares, wherein the primary exchange traded fund comprises investments in a plurality of secondary exchange traded funds (SETF). The system and method enable intraday, or other periodic, trading of a variable number and type of ETFs through a single ETF, based on one or more categories and factors including, but not limited to, real-time NAVs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for receiving and assessing an application made by an applicant. In one aspect, the apparatus includes: computing means configured or programmed to present a plurality of application forms to the applicant, to receive the forms once completed from the applicant and to assess the application; input means for the applicant to complete and return the forms to the computing means; and communication means for communicating or sending the assessment of the application to the applicant; wherein the computing means is configured or programmed to construct second and subsequent forms of the plurality of forms progressively on the basis of information provided by the applicant by means of the input means in the completed and received forms, to assess the application, and to communicate the assessment by means of the communication means.

Abstract: A method and a system for transmitting informational content data to a plurality of terminals is provided, in which informational content data and informational description data are provided in a memory of at least one information provider station the informational content data and the informational description data are loaded into a memory of a central informational transmission station, an informational content data block is generated based on the loaded informational content data and an informational description data block based on the loaded informational description data in the central information transmission station, the informational content data block and the informational data description block are linked to a data transmission block, and the data transmission block is transmitted from the central information transmission station to a plurality of terminals.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing at least one ISA and/or PCI compliant device with a PCMCIA compliant socket on a host computer is disclosed. The system is particularly useful to allow ISA and/or PCI compliant devices, which could not otherwise be used with a portable computer having a PCMCIA socket, to be used with such computers. The system can provide complete compatibility between a PCMCIA socket and ISA /PCI compliant devices even though such industry standards include contradictory requirements. The system allows a user to easily connect and disconnect numerous ISA and/or PCI compliant devices via a single PCMCIA socket commonly found on portable computers.

Abstract: A releasable vest having a front panel; front shoulder strap elements that include at least one front shoulder strap attachment opening; a back panel; a first waist belt element that extends from the front panel and has at least one waist belt element attachment opening formed through the waist belt element; a second waist belt element that extends from the front panel and has at least one release loop attached thereto, wherein the at least one release loop is capable of being passed through the waist belt attachment opening of the first waist belt element and the at least one front shoulder strap attachment opening of the front shoulder strap elements; and a release lanyard that is capable of being passed through the release loop so as to releasably secure the first waist belt element and the at least one shoulder strap element to the release loop.

Abstract: A protective covering for a stilt is presented. The protective covering includes a cylinder of flexible material. The protective covering also includes a first securing element disposed along a lower portion of the covering for retaining a lower opening of the cylinder of flexible material proximate a foot of the stilt. The protective covering further includes a second securing element disposed along an upper portion of the cylinder for securing an upper opening of the cylinder of flexible material proximate a calf of a wearer of the stilt.

Abstract: An air bag jacket includes a first portion corresponding to a breast and an upper back portion of a user in a wearing state and a second portion corresponding to a belly and a waist of the user in a wearing state. A recessed portion is cut upwardly from a skirt is formed in the second portion at a position corresponding to either a right or left side of the user. An inflator is arranged on the inside of the recessed portion.

Abstract: A hand-wearing assembly has a main body and a side mirror mount. The main body is a loop and has a connecting top. The side mirror mount is connected with and stands on the connecting top. The side mirror mount has a mirror face facing a rear end of the connecting top and is capable of being connected with a side mirror. The side mirror mount allows the side mirror to stand above a wrist or a back of a hand. Accordingly, a rider can see a rear sight at ease via the standing side mirror. With a slight movement of the hand, the position of the side mirror is easily adjusted to enable the rider to see all the rear area from all directions, or to check the positions of the following cyclists.

Abstract: A fishing finger protection apparatus is disclosed that provides protection for an index finger of an angler during casting with a spin reel fishing rod. The finger protection apparatus includes a finger guard, a strap and a wrist band. The finger guard receives a distal end portion of the index finger of the angler in an approximately form fitting relation. The finger guard includes a first portion, opposing sidewalls and a back portion. The first portion protects the palmar side of the index finger and the sidewalls protect the sides of the index finger. The back portion can stretch to accommodate the size of the finger of the angler. The strap connects the finger guard and the wrist band.

Abstract: A method for attaching a race-number bib having two spaced-apart holes to a race-number belt having a belt component with two spaced-apart snap-fastener subassemblies includes the step of providing two retrofitting cord-fastener assemblies such that each cord-fastener assembly has a cord with a mating snap-fastener subassembly on its proximal end. The method proceeds by snapping (i.e., attaching) the two mating snap-fastener subassemblies into engagement of the two snap-fastener subassemblies on the belt component, threading the distal ends of the cords through the holes in the race-number bib, and placing locking components onto the cords to secure the bib. A race-number belt constructed according to another aspect of the invention includes both snap-fastener assemblies and bib-attaching cords, with the proximal ends of the cords secured by the snap-fastener assemblies.

Abstract: An air suction device for a toilet drain passage includes a suction tank partitioned by a diaphragm into an upper chamber and a lower chamber communicating with the passage, and an electromagnetic drive device moving the diaphragm upward. The drive device has a cylindrical case body installed away from the tank, a moving member housed in the case body so as to be vertically movable, and a moving device located on a lower end of the case body. The moving device has a casing and an actuator assembled in the casing to move the moving member. The case body has a first airtight chamber surrounded by the moving member and the moving device. The first airtight chamber has a cubic capacity changed by movement of the moving member and communicates with the first chamber. The first airtight chamber sucks air in the first chamber to move the diaphragm upward.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for tempering the temperature of a liquid in a fluid conducting system. More particularly, some embodiments of the invention relates to tempering the temperature of water supplied to a fixture from a water heater in a fluid conducting system. The system can include a heater for heating the fluid and a diffuser for slowing the rate at which water provided to a decontamination fixture is heated.

Abstract: A collapsible playpen system featuring a base panel and side panels that form an enclosure for a mattress. Bottom bars, side bars, and top bars separate the base panel and side panels. The bars each feature a center hinge joint allowing for the bars to move between an extended position and a collapsed position for storage purposes. The system also features a carrying case for housing the playpen when not in use.

Abstract: A therapy mat table has an upper surface and removable mat. A portion of the mat and a separate plate is rotatably mounted within the flat top so as to be capable of being selectively raised and lowered to form a seat back for a patient reclining or sitting on the pad on an elongated side edge of the table. The table may also include transfer bars which help to move a patient on and off the table or when moving to a standing position or while simply standing. The table may further include a stowable foot stop, which prevents backward movement of the patient's feet when the patient is standing between the transfer bars. The table may also include a knee blocker, which helps to limit or prevent buckling of the patient's knees when the patient is standing between the transfer bars.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a support pillow comprises a pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms that form a well region, a first side and a second side. The pillow body further includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery outlining the well region. The pillow body further comprises a fill material and a cover enveloping the fill material. The cover comprises a main section that extends about the first and second sides and the outer periphery, and a center panel coupled to the main section so as to be located along the inner periphery. Also, the center panel is constructed of a woven fabric having two grain directions that are generally perpendicular to each other and a bias. The woven fabric is generally non-stretchable in at least one of the grain directions, and the center panel is coupled to the main section so as to be substantially on the bias.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes an inflatable support structure that varies in size as a frame of the patient support apparatus varies in size. The inflatable support structure includes a bladder assembly and bias members that urge the bladder assembly to a collapsed configuration during deflation of the bladder assembly.

Abstract: A combined oxygen tank key, glass breaker and bottle opener includes an elongated handle portion defining a first plane and having first and second ends that define the length thereof and first and second side edges that define the width thereof. A socket is integrally formed within the handle portion and is adapted to fit onto the rectangularly shaped end of an oxygen tank valve control stem. A hardened point is formed at the first end of the handle portion and is capable of breaking vehicle glass. A bottle opener is carried by the first side edge of the handle portion.

Abstract: A laundry treatment machine and a washing method therefor are provided. The laundry treatment machine may discharge fluid by driving a drainage device, while rotating a drum during a time period between a plurality of rinsing operations. The rotation speed of the drum may be controlled to be lower than a reference speed, which is the rotation speed of the drum when laundry is not uniformly distributed in the drum, and thus, eccentricity of the laundry is high.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for custom fitting an article of footwear is disclosed. A container holding the article of footwear includes a steaming assembly that allows a customer to subject the article of footwear to steam. The method can include cooling the article of footwear on the customer's foot to custom fit the article of footwear.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear may include assembling at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear, the upper having a lower perimeter edge. A lasting element is secured to the upper. The lasting element includes (a) a first strip joined to a lateral side of the upper adjacent to the lower perimeter edge, (b) a second strip joined to a medial side of the upper adjacent to the lower perimeter edge, and (c) at least one strand extending through the first strip and the second strip. The strand is tensioned, and a sole structure of the article of footwear is joined to the upper.